EV düzenlemelerinin yaşlilarin yaşam kalitesine etkisi

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of home modifications to the quality of life, depression and cognitive state in the elderly. Methods: Sixty cases aged 65 years and over, who were cooperative, not suffering from dementia and not bedridden, were included in this study. The study group was composed of 30 cases who used the tips provided regarding home modifications, adaptive equipment, and assistive device use and behavioral changes to prevent falls, while the control group included 22 cases not using these tips. Evaluations including Nottingham Health Profile, Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini Mental Status Test and The Home-Screen Scale were used to evaluate the subjects at the first home visits. Following the first evaluation, the subjects were informed about the subjects which mentioned above. One month after suggesting modifications for each subject, the same evaluations were repeated at a second home visit. Results: The study group's quality of life scores were statistically significantly better (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups for cognitive state and depression scores (p>0.05). We found that the study group had changed their behavior in the house to protect themselves from falls and had safer homes after receiving the tips (p<0.05). Discussion: It is identified that home modifications, use of adaptive equipments and assistive devices, and behavioral changes to prevent falls had positive effects on quality of life. It was also determined that information about preventing falls given during home visits had led behavioral changes in subjects toward a safer life at home.